Southern Switzerland is home to truly spectacular nature, which includes everything from impressively tall mountains to stunning lakes. Lake Lugano and Lake Como are two gorgeous lakes easily accessible by trains from Switzerland and Italy. One lies entirely in Italy, while the other stretches throughout both countries.
If you’re not sure which lake to visit during your trip, this detailed guide will help. From ease of access and transportation to landmarks and attractions – here’s everything you need to know about Lake Lugano and Lake Como!
General Information
| Lake Lugano | Lake Como | |
| Location | Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy | Northern Italy |
| Size and Depth | 48.7 km2, 134 m (average depth) | 146 km2, 154 m (average depth) |
| Weather | Mild year-round | Mild, sunny year-round |
| Accessibility | Trains | Trains, the airport is close |
| Activities | Hiking, boat rides, kayaking, swimming, mountain trains, theme parks | Boat rides, hiking, funicular, historic tours, culinary tours |
| Cost | 68 CHF (from Zurich) | 5 CHF (from Milan) |
Location & Transportation
Getting to either of these two lakes is fairly easy from both Switzerland and Italy. They’re both in the same region less than an hour away from each other; Lake Como is entirely in northern Italy, while Lake Lugano stretches through southern Switzerland and northern Italy. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to either lake.
How to Get to Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano is situated in southern Switzerland and northern Italy. It’s easily accessible by trains from many cities in either country, and you can even ride a panoramic train to the lake on the Swiss side. Gotthard Panorama Express is the best way of traveling from Lucerne as it includes a lake cruise and then a scenic train ride from Fluelen to Lugano.
Panoramic trains are expensive, and you’ll want to stick to regional trains for cheaper tickets. Direct trains to Lugano depart from Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Zug
In terms of flights, it’s best to fly to Zurich or Milan. Milan airports are the closest to Lugano, and you can be at the lake shore in under 2 hours from the airport. It takes a little more time from Zurich, but direct trains are available from the airport.
Pro Tip: If you’re departing from Italy, buy tickets at the machines or kiosks at the train station. They’re cheaper than if you buy them online, and you can board any train heading to your destination. You will need to validate the ticket at the train station before boarding the train – look for small yellow boxes mounted on the walls.
How to Get to Lake Como
Lake Como is accessible from both Switzerland and Italy. The last time I visited, we went to Milan from Como and managed to catch an SBB train that departed from Zurich. Most direct trains from Swiss cities stop at the town of Como. From there, you can catch a train to one of the other towns on the lakeshore.
In terms of flights, the closest airports to Lake Como are all in Italy. Milan Bergamo, Milan Malpensa, and Linate Airport all service the city of Milan and its surroundings, and are the closest you can get to Lake Como by plane.
Landscape and Views
Lake Lugano and Lake Como both offer a similar experience in terms of natural landmarks and landscape views. Both lakes have several bends and arms and are surrounded by hills and mountains. And you can ride a funicular to the top of a nearby summit for panoramic views at both Como and Lugano.
Both lakes also offer historic towns and villages, although I must admit that Lake Como is the better destination for historic landmarks. It’s got more towns along its shore, which generally have more to offer than those along the shore of Lake Lugano.
On the other hand, Lake Lugano offers easier access to the nearby mountains and their hiking trails. If you’re most interested in exploring the outdoors and admiring the views from the tall summits, Lake Lugano is somewhat better. But if you want to enjoy the pretty views while lounging on the beach and walking around old towns with cobblestone alleys in the evening, Lake Como won’t disappoint.
Things to Do Around Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano’s attractions range from art museums to natural landmarks. With vast public parks, sandy beaches, historic attractions, and tall mountains, being bored at Lake Lugano isn’t an option.
Enjoy a delightful Lugano boat cruise
Lake Lugano is three times smaller than Lake Como, which just means that it’s easier and quicker to explore it during a cruise. Ferry rides are the cheapest option for boat rides on the lake, and allow you to travel from Lugano to other wonderful towns on the shore. Gandria is a place worth checking out, known for the interesting Swiss Customs Museum that can only be accessed by boat.
Alternatively, you can arrange a private cruise on the lake that will take you where you want. Just keep in mind that it’s significantly more expensive than ferry tickets, but also offers much more freedom. Boat rental is also available, and it’s the best option if you want to explore the lake at your own pace, stopping whenever you feel like it.
Explore the City of Lugano
Lugano is the largest city on the lake shore and the best destination for anyone visiting the lake. With excellent restaurants, historic landmarks, and easily accessible hiking trails, the city is perfect for a short stay in Switzerland.
Lugano also has quite a few great art museums and galleries. Also, I really like that Lugano is rarely crowded, and you can usually enjoy walking around the town and visiting attractions without bumping elbows with tourists, which can’t be said for Bellagio or Como.
See the amazing views from Monte Brè
Of course, the lovely Swiss lake offers easy access to a nearby mountain. Head to Cassarate station to get on the funicular that will take you all the way to the top of the mountain. The ride is quite scenic and as you climb up the mountain, the landscapes change before your eyes.
At the top station of the funicular are restaurants, hiking trails, and observation decks. The hiking trails are mostly easy since Monte Bre isn’t really that big or tall, but that doesn’t make the vista from the top any less stunning. For the absolute best experience, come here on clear sunny days to enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Lugano and all the towering mountains that surround it.
Take a leisurely walk at Parco Ciani
Parco Ciani is a sprawling public park in Lugano with pretty lake views. Featuring a villa, playground, museum, beach, and landscaped walking paths, the park offers plenty of ways to stay busy.
There’s also a small church on the park grounds as well as the local high school. Come here to relax for an afternoon, enjoying the lovely views from the shade under the trees. Don’t forget to pack a picnic basket, preferably full of delicious Swiss cheese!
Visit the SwissMiniatur Park
Swissminiatur Park is in Melide, just 7 minutes from Lugano by train. The park features miniature replicas of the most famous landmarks in the country (and wider), offering a speed tour of the best of Switzerland. Come here to see miniature versions of the country’s most famous churches, castles, buildings, and even town squares.
A miniature version of the Milano Cathedral is also at the park, so it’s not just Swiss landmarks. The park is a great introduction to the most famous sights in Switzerland, especially if you haven’t traveled the country extensively and seen everything in person. It’s even possible to go around the park on a sightseeing train, which is especially fun for children.
Things to Do Around Lake Como
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The vast Lake Como offers a wide variety of things to do on its shores. From the cobblestone streets of Bellagio to the beaches of La Punta, you could stay in the area for a week and you would not be bored.
Admire the beauty of Villa Del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is a waterfront property open for tours. Parts of it date back to the 13th century and are remnants of a Franciscan monastery that once existed on the same grounds. The majority of the villa was constructed later, and the building was extensively renovated before it opened to the public.
The fabulous villa is best known for its terraced gardens, which offer impressive views of Lake Como. The gardens are accessible to anyone who purchases a ticket, but the interior of the village is reserved for guided tours, which are available only with the more expensive tickets.
Take a fun boat tour
Lake Como is best experienced on a boat. No matter which town you visit on the shore, you’ll only see a small section of the lake. But get on a boat and you can do a proper tour of the lake and visit several towns on the shore.
Ferries run on Lake Como and they’re the cheapest option for a fun boat ride. Go from Bellagio to Varenna or Menaggio to explore even more historic sights. Private boat tours of the lake are also available but are significantly more expensive. You can even rent a boat for a few hours and ride around the lake on your own – a great idea for some fun swimming away from the crowds on hot summer days.
Explore the charming town of Bellagio
Bellagio is a lovely town on the shore of Lake Como. Featuring a historic center with narrow alleys, beautiful beaches, and a sprawling park with a hilltop castle, it’s an excellent destination for a relaxed vacation in Italy.
This is a great town whether you’re more interested in a resort vacation or water and outdoor adventures. Bellagio has something to offer to everyone, and it’s easily accessible by train from Como.
Indulge in wine-tasting
Italian wines are legendary and Lake Como is as good a destination as any for wine tastings. Most wineries are on the lake’s northern shore, which isn’t quite as popular with tourists. But this is a good thing because you can easily secure spots on wine tastings, and enjoy your time at Lake Como without crowds.
Cantina & Bottega is an excellent little place where you can enjoy dinner and taste the best local wines. Tastings are arranged upon request, and if you pop in without making any arrangements, you can enjoy a nice dinner and a glass or two of delicious local wine. Cantine Angelinetta in Domaso is one of the best local vineyards open for tours.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Lake Como
Lake Como has many beautiful beaches that are ideal for easy-going summer vacations. Spend a day lounging on the beach and swimming in the lake, taking in the beautiful sights and achieving a state of total relaxation.
Beaches are available in most towns on the lake shore, from Como to Gera Lario. Most are pebble or grass beaches, with plenty of shade to protect you from the harsh summer sun. There are even dog-friendly beaches on the lake shore, where your furry friends can run around and swim as much as they want. If you’re looking for a sandy beach, head to La Punta.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Lake Lugano and Lake Como are both in the same geographical region so have a very similar climate. Lake Como is generally a bit warmer and better suited for swimming because Lake Lugano is a glacial lake. Its waters are colder, and the period when you can comfortably swim in the lake is much shorter.
Best Time to Visit Lake Lugano
July to September is the best season for trips to Lake Lugano. It’s not a crazy popular destination so the crowds aren’t too big even during peak season. Summer is the best season for trips to Lugano because it’s warm and sunny, but the humidity is low.
Also, Lugano is the busiest destination on the lake shore. If you’re worried about crowds, just stay in one of the smaller towns and travel to Lugano for sightseeing. Spring is also a good season to visit the lake and explore the region when it’s not crowded, but it’s not warm enough for swimming or sunbathing.
Best Time to Visit Lake Como
Lake Como is best enjoyed in late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). The lake is very popular in the summer, which often translates to large crowds, especially in Como and Bellagio. If you want to visit Lake Como in the summer, I highly recommend staying at one of the towns on the northern lake shore to avoid hordes of tourists.
It’s worth noting that the weather is warm enough for swimming and sunbathing even in the off-season. I was in Como once in late October and saw plenty of people walking around in their swimsuits and jumping in the lake.
Reasons to Visit Lake Lugano over Lake Como
One reason why you might enjoy a visit to Lake Lugano more than one to Lake Como is simply because it’s in Switzerland. It’s an Italian-speaking town and you can still find many restaurants that serve only Italian cuisine, but the city is still Swiss throughout. Which means it’s clean, organized, and very expensive.
Also, plenty of restaurants in Lugano serve Swiss food, so it’s by far the better destination if you want to try some local delicacies. Italian food is available at both Lake Como and Lake Lugano, but Swiss staples can be found only in restaurants along the shore of Lake Lugano.
Other reasons to prioritize visiting Lake Lugano over Lake Como are:
- Swissminiatur theme park
- Access to nearby mountains
- Art museums in Lugano
- Easy train access to other Swiss cities and towns
- Panoramic train rides from Lugano
Reasons to Visit Lake Como over Lake Lugano
Visiting Lake Como is cheaper than visiting Lake Lugano, especially if you want to stay in the area for a few nights. Tickets to attractions in the areas are cheaper and traveling to the lake costs less money, making Lake Como the better destination for travelers on a somewhat tighter budget.
Also, it’s the bigger lake and it has more to offer. In my experience, the towns on the shore of Lake Como are prettier and more historic. Sure, Lugano is a wonderful place, but it’s not that lively or packed with attractions. Como and Bellagio, on the other hand, are two wonderful destinations that offer loads of things to do, from local museums to observation decks atop a mountain. Travel to Lake Como for:
- Charming old towns with cobblestone alleys
- Delicious Italian food and wine
- Historic villas
- Easy (and cheap) travel to cities in northern Italy – Milan, Bergamo, Varese, etc.
- Adventure parks
- Resort hotels
Map of Lake Lugano and Lake Como Attractions & More
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Lugano vs. Lake Como: Which Is Better?
Lake Como is ultimately a better destination than Lake Lugano. It’s three times bigger and offers more things to do in the many towns on its shore.
How far is Lugano from Lake Como?
Lugano is approximately a 45-minute train ride from Como S. Giovanni train station in Como. From there, it is possible to travel to other towns on the lakeshore.
What is Lake Lugano known for?
Lake Lugano is known for its warm climate, tall mountains, fabulous beaches, and glacial waters. It’s one of the prettiest lakes in Switzerland, and its surroundings have a lovely moderate climate, uncharacteristic for this Alpine country.
What is Lake Como known for?
Lake Como is known for its beautiful nature, historic villages, and opulent villas. The Italian lake has long been popular with the rich and famous, many of whom own property on the shore.
